Chloe came to a sudden realization, and everything became clear to her. In the spacious room, she and Joseph locked eyes. In his gaze, she saw nothing but herself. Their eyes welled up with tears, charged with emotion.She felt his hand squeeze hers as if he was restraining his enthusiasm, worried it might startle her. Without thinking, Chloe hugged him tightly. She leaned her face against his muscular chest, listening to the beating of his heart.Overcome with joy, Chloe said, "Our child is alive. He's really alive."Alive and thriving under his father's guidance. Joseph's usually cold expression melted as he affirmed, "Yes, our child is alive. Jas is our child."He knew had not wronged her. His heart belonged to only her.Unable to contain herself, Chloe let her tears flow. Pushing everything else aside, all she wanted to do was savor this moment. "Thank you for taking care of our son."It was clear to her that Jasper held Joseph in high regard. Putting herself in Joseph’s sh
Joseph looked deeply into Chloe’s eyes and said in a low voice, "Chloe, there are some people you can't deal with by stepping back. My father, my grandfather… They all thought like you do—take a step back for a broader perspective. But what was the end result? The issues went unresolved and the abuse only got worse."A missed punch invited a hundred more. The same principle held true for him as the leader of the Whitman family. Protecting them was his obligation. For years, he had bided his time against Duskfall, waiting for the right moment to retaliate.Chloe paused, considering his words. He made a compelling argument. Duskfall was a formidable opponent, and years of hostility demanded resolution."When do you plan to make your move?""In three days." Joseph's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, an idea dawning on him as he looked at Chloe. "Have you figured out how Jon and Pres knew exactly when to come today?"Chloe answered, "Because they heard you were sick… Hang on, you look m
Chloe drew in a sharp breath and gazed at him. "Do you have any proof?""Chloe, you have to believe me," Joseph implored, “For disrupting your wedding today, he's now retaliating like a madman.""Stop talking. I don’t want my mood spoiled."Clearly agitated, Chloe put an end to the conversation. She felt torn between her family and the father of her child, and this feeling overwhelmed her.Joseph was unsurprised by her reaction. He shot her a look that spoke volumes. It was a complex mix of worry and unspoken sentiment. He did not want to unsettle her any further at this point. Once she had received treatment and regained her memories, she would naturally comprehend the situation and stay away from Noah.Chloe felt uncomfortable under his gaze, and her temples throbbed painfully. "I'm going home. I'll come in the morning to send Jasper to school.”*Meanwhile, at Duskfall, Otto pushed a door open and was greeted by an intricately embroidered landscape painting hung on the wall.
Noah's steps came to a sudden halt. The faint smile on his face disappeared as he turned to face Desmond, whose probing eyes seemed to read his very soul. A flutter of unease stirred within his chest. Desmond's eyes, shadowy yet deep, locked onto his. Everything was understood without the need for words.Desmond might not know the specifics of what Noah had done, but he had grown suspicious the moment Joseph audaciously invaded their home in broad daylight to abduct a bride. Furthermore, Harold hesitated to speak about the incident. He knew things were not as simple as they seemed. The day Joseph had the car accident coincided perfectly with the day Noah was out on a business trip to Fennelville.He had always believed Noah to be pure-hearted, mild-tempered, and loyal, incapable of any rash actions. But confronted with the facts, how could he dismiss his suspicions?For a few seconds, Noah's gaze flickered before shifting away. Desmond felt a sinking feeling in his heart. He knew al
Chloe whipped her head around, her eyes locking onto his. A jolt of surprise raced through her. "When did you wake up?""Just after you," Noah said, holding her gaze. "Has the paternity test result come back?”"Yes.""What did it say?""Jasper is my biological child." Chloe saw the weight of her words on Noah’s face but saw no other option. To continue with this farce would harm everyone involved. "Consider our wedding a mistake. I’m unworthy of being your wife."Yesterday, a crowd of guests and friends had been waiting. She had to maintain a front and she could not disgrace the Sullivan family or embarrass Noah. The wedding simply had to proceed.Despite having braced himself, Noah felt like he had been stabbed through the heart when he told him those words. He felt as though he was gasping for air, like a fish out of water. At times, he wished he could show her his heart, to show her what it was like. He loved her no less than Joseph did."Go tell Grandfather. If he agrees, I
Lucas hastily set his utensils aside. Covering his phone screen with both hands, he let out a forced laugh. "It's nothing, Mr. Joseph," he said. ‘If Mr. Joseph sees this, his day will be ruined,’ Lucas thought, 'Ignorance is bliss, as the saying goes. Better for Ms. Chloe, better for Mr. Joseph, and better for me.'Joseph chuckled dismissively, "Are you in a relationship?""No, not at all. I was just browsing through someone else's social feed," Lucas clarified, sincerity gracing his face.Without another word, Joseph strode briskly into his office.Relieved, Lucas went back to his meal and resumed scrolling. He noticed that more and more people were sharing posts about the champagne from Chloe and Noah. Apart from the drinks, elegantly crafted candy boxes had also been sent to partner companies, conveying a solid image of a loving relationship.The mahogany boxes were ornate and lavish, decorated with intricate carvings. One glance was enough to see they were expensive. It was
Jasper frowned and averted his gaze, giving her neither eye contact nor a response.Xavia's face flushed. She hid her irritation and nagged him, "Why are you acting this way toward your own mother?""You're not my mom," Jasper stared at her, unwilling to back down."I am your mother. Don't act out." Xavia, clued into what had happened between Joseph and Jasper, felt no need to give details. She grabbed his small hand and made her way toward a nearby parked car. "You must be thirsty. I got you your favorite drink. Shall we go have it in the car?"Jasper attempted to yank his hand back, but Xavia's grip tightened, leaving a red imprint on his skin. The pain served as a stark reminder that he was no match for an adult's strength.Just as he was about to be dragged into the car, Jasper bit down hard on Xavia's wrist."Ah!" Xavia shrieked, releasing Jasper’s hand. She masked her fury as she sharply asked, "Who on earth taught you to bite?"The boy was so uncivilized!"I don't want t
Chloe furrowed her brows. Even though she did not know what Xavia was up to, she knew she could not let her take Jasper away."Get away from us!"Without hesitation, she shielded Jasper and lifted her foot to deliver a kick to Xavia's thigh. Xavia quickly protected her belly. Not anticipating Chloe to attack her in public and caught off guard, she lost her balance and fell."How could you! I’m carrying a baby!" Xavia shouted, her face filling with tears. Some passersby came forward to help her and one of them said, "Miss, can't you resolve your issues without resorting to violence? She's pregnant, after all.""Exactly. Pregnant women are vulnerable, and you just kicked her. What if you had harmed the baby?"Refusing to back down, Jasper poked his head out from behind Chloe and said sternly, "She attacked us first. We’re just defending ourselves."The bystanders fell silent and looked between Xavia and Chloe. They felt that a kid would not lie. Perhaps there was a misunderstan